Last week, our blog focused on Christmas in Medellin. This week, to continue the Christmas theme, we need to talk about holiday food.

Colombians have their favorite traditional foods and treats for Christmas. We have tasted a few of the more popular favorites below.

Greatest Donut of Colombia

A very popular snack in Medellin and throughout Latin America is the Buñuelo. Buñeulos are fried dough balls made with shredded cheese, corn meal, eggs, milk and a little sugar. The dough is formed into balls and fried in a deep fat fryer until golden brown. They are best if eaten when warm and they have a slightly salty/cheesy flavor.

Buñeulos are popular all year long, but during the Christmas season they are tradition and eaten more often. Each grandmother has her own special way of making Buñeulos and might stuff them with mozzarella cheese, candied sweets, fruit or small pieces of meat. During the nine days of Las Novenas (Christmas prayers), Buñeulos are eaten after prayers each night.

We have eaten a few Buñeulos and some were very good while others were hard and stale. They are best eaten “recién hecho” (freshly made).

Colombian Christmas Custard

During the Christmas season Buñeulos are best paired with another favorite Christmas treat called Natilla.

Natilla is a custard served during the Christmas season. It is made with panela, a dark sugar made from sugar cane. Just like Buñeulos, families have their own recipe for Natilla. Variations include adding coconut, fruit or a little shot of Colombian liquor called Aguardiente. I have yet to try it with the alcohol.

Natilla is usually made in big batches. We have seen some people actually making Natilla outside over an open fire. Buñeulos are dipped in the custard providing a tasty combination of sweet and salty.

Colombian Christmas Flakes

Another popular treat in Colombia and Latin America during the Christmas season is Hojuelas (Flakes). Hojuelas are deep fat fried in various shapes and sizes and are lightly sprinkled with sugar. They are very crispy and can be dipped in Natilla or served with fruit. Just like Buñeulos, they are best warm and fresh.

Soup of Navidad

There is a popular soup served in Medellin during Christmas season. In some places in Medellin, it’s cooked outdoors in the street over an open fire and shared with family, friends and neighbors. I was advised that Sancocho is a good meal on New Year’s Day to cure a hangover.

Following is my version of “The Night Before Christmas” in which I describe the scene in the street when neighbors are making the soup.

‘Twas the night before Christmas in Medellin

Residents were stirring, it was quite a scene

The ingredients were prepared and ready for heat,

They hauled it all out onto the street.

The fire had been started hours ago.

To make sure the soup is ready to go.

Paisans looked on, ready to eat.

But the soup needed something more than just meat.

Chicken was added along with some rice.

Corn and potatoes made the soup nice.

They added the capers and avocado,

With Yuca and plantains it’s ready to go.

The streets were bustling from door to door

While others were peeking outside to see more.

The aroma was strong and flooded the streets,

Paisans were ready, they wanted to eat.

One ingredient remained, but not for this dish

It was a time for a blessing and time for a wish.

Medellin has warmth from the people within,

They are proud and friendly and have taken us in.

So, what is this soup, so tasty and rich,

it must good to be a main dish.

As I made my way to be the next up

I extended my hand, to have a warm cup.

I could not help but shout “ho, ho, ho”,

The soup on the street is called ‘Sancocho’.

Feliz Navidad

Kathy and I want to extend to each of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year. We are blessed to have such wonderful families and friends and we thank you all for reading our blog. We wish you could experience our adventures with us.

We are heading out of Medellin for Christmas and will be spending a few days in an ECO-lodge located near the small town of San Raphael so there will NOT be a blog next week.

Merry Christmas